In The Division 2, there is something for almost every multiplayer fan: co-op, PvP, and PvEvP. However, the shooter also has its peculiarities that you should know about.
The Division 2 is an online shooter where you will repeatedly encounter other players.
You can engage in PvE activities with them, compete against them in PvP, or simply ignore them if you are grouped with them in “safe areas” like safehouses. By the way, if you dance with them there, there are rewards.
Multiplayer fans have a lot to look forward to in The Division 2 – but what exactly?
The Co-op Aspect in The Division 2
This is what the multiplayer aspect is about: The co-op mode is a multiplayer variant where several players work together against PvE enemies. You are not fighting against each other but with each other.
This is what makes The Division 2 special: Basically, all PvE content in The Division 2 can be played in co-op. You just need to complete a short introductory sequence at the beginning of the campaign, and you can invite friends to your squad – or call for reinforcement so that other agents can assist you.
Apart from the story missions, side missions, open-world activities like checkpoints or territory battles, and all endgame activities can be tackled in co-op. The squad can consist of up to 4 agents.
Soon after the launch of The Division 2, a special co-op activity will be unlocked: The Raid. In this group activity, you should group up with eight players and tackle a tough challenge together.
Even though you can easily play the PvE content in single-player, many user reports say that The Division 2 truly shines in cooperative play. The extensive co-op aspect is, for many, what makes life as an agent special.
Since you can revive, heal, and support each other, the PvE content in co-op is more tactical, exciting, and, with a good squad, also easier than if you were to fight through as a lone wolf.
The PvP in The Division 2
This is what the multiplayer aspect is about: In PvP, you shoot each other down. This is the “player versus player” combat. In multiplayer games, the PvP modes usually serve as long-term motivation since no two fights against other players are alike. Many gamers are motivated by this competitive multiplayer aspect.
This is what makes The Division 2 special: While in The Division 1, you had to wait a long time for real PvP, The Division 2 starts directly with its own PvP mode.
This is called “Conflict” and can be started early in the game via the map overview or by a man who stands a few meters to the right of the entrance of the White House.
In Conflict, there are two different PvP modes available where you compete 4v4:
- Team Deathmatch: A team deathmatch where you start with a certain number of respawns. Once all revives are used up and all players of a team are defeated, the match is over.
- Domination: You fight for control over checkpoints.
In PvP, you can rank up in a Conflict rank and earn rewards. Additionally, you have access to numerous statistics. The stats on your gear are normalized to ensure balance in PvP.
In the future, more PvP modes will be added.
The Dark Zone in The Division 2
This is what the multiplayer aspect is about: When a mode features both PvE and PvP simultaneously, it’s referred to as a PvEvP mode. Typically, you must quickly defeat PvE enemies to obtain specific currency, resources, or loot, while other players may take them from you.
This is what makes The Division 2 special: The Dark Zone is a unique feature of the Division series, combining PvE and PvP. You must steal delicious loot from PvE enemies and extract contaminated items via helicopter from the Dark Zone.
Each agent can decide whether they want to become “rogue” and open fire on other agents. By doing so, they can steal their loot, but they also become hunted in the Dark Zone. You never know how others will behave.
You unlock the Dark Zone only after several hours in The Division 2, once you’ve recruited the NPC Senait Ezera for the Operations Base. Then you can undertake a reconnaissance mission into the eastern Dark Zone.
In The Division 2, there are three Dark Zones. Sometimes one of them becomes an “Occupied Dark Zone,” where all rules are thrown out the window. There is no longer a distinction between decent and rogue agents, no equipment normalization, and friendly fire is active.
Build Optimization in The Division 2 – Loot Shooter Aspect
This is what the multiplayer aspect is about: While in many multiplayer games, you quickly dive into a match where everyone has the same starting position (e.g., battle royale games), there are games in which you can continuously optimize your character build. Players often invest countless hours into creating a strong build to gain significant advantages through weapons, gear, and skills. These are called loot shooters.
This is what makes The Division 2 special: The Division 2 belongs to those games where you can spend hours crafting your build. The necessary items are obtained as loot from enemies and containers, but they can also be crafted or purchased with in-game currency.
Especially in co-op PvE activities, you have significant advantages with builds that are coordinated with each other. But even in the Occupied Dark Zone, you benefit from weapons and armor pieces that harmonize and unlock perks.
Even though in PvP, the advantages of a strong build are somewhat limited due to normalization, you can still skill yourself decisively to perfect your play style.
Which Multiplayer Fans Does The Division 2 Not Appeal To?
The Division 2 is not for you if you
- like first-person shooters. The Division 2 can only be played from a third-person perspective.
- enjoy fast-paced shooter action. There are neither wall runs nor jetpacks. Instead, you stay on the ground, remain in cover, and proceed tactically.
- like quick games without much preparation. If you just want to jump right into combat against other players, then The Division 2 is probably not the right game for you. Instead, it is about gradually improving with loot.
Are you pursuing single-player in The Division 2, or are you utilizing the multiplayer aspects to their full extent?
